Admissions decisions are based on the quality of the applicants' credentials. A portfolio will be developed for a broad-based assessment of each applicant for the program.
Admission Deadlines for Fall 2012 Cohort
February 1 — Early deadline
May 1 — Standard deadline*
Completed application portfolios will be reviewed starting October 1, 2011 until all seats are filled or the May 1, 2012 deadline is reached, whichever comes first. Applications submitted by the early deadline will be given priority consideration.
*Please note that in the past, cohorts have reached capacity before the standard deadline, so applicants are encouraged to submit all portfolio items as early as possible to ensure a full review.
Prerequisites
Penn State's online MBA program is suitable for individuals of diverse academic and professional backgrounds and requires no prerequisite course work. However, previous course work in accounting, economics, math, and statistics, or knowledge of these subjects gained through work experience adds to the strength of your application portfolio.
Admissions Requirements
The application portfolio includes:
Online application: Click the "Apply Now" button to the right.
Recommendations (two): You initiate the process through the online application by entering names and e-mail addresses of two recommenders. Those individuals will each receive an e-mail asking them to complete a brief online recommendation.
Résumé: A listing of your professional experience. Two years' worth of professional experience is preferred, but not required.
Statement of Intent: The statement of intent is your way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Tell us why you've decided to pursue an online MBA and why the iMBA is a good fit for you. You can also highlight the talent and experience you will bring to the iMBA program.
Transcripts: Provide two official transcripts from each higher-education institution attended. A bachelor's degree is required.
U.S. bachelor's degrees: Bachelor's degrees must be earned from a regionally accredited institution.
Foreign bachelor's degrees: Applicants with foreign degrees must provide official transcripts in the language of instruction—with certified, English translation.The Penn State Graduate School accepts evaluations of foreign transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) only.
Official Test Scores: GMAT or GRE (either test is acceptable)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Submit your official score report, using the iMBA code listed as: Pennsylvania State University, World Campus, iMBA ZZ8-JW-99. GMAT scores must be no older than five years.
-or-
GRE General Test: Select code 2660 for Penn State. GRE scores must be no older than five years.
The GMAT or GRE requirement may be waived only if the applicant holds a doctorate-level degree. No waivers will be granted for work experience or existing graduate degrees other than those at the doctorate level.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score, if applicable. These scores must be submitted by all non–U.S. citizen applicants unless otherwise specified. Please see the Language Proficiency section of the International Students page of the Web site for undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Visit the TOEFL Web site or call 609-771-7100 for more information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.
Application Portfolio Evaluation
The Admissions Committee considers the entire portfolio and seeks applicants that can succeed in a high-quality MBA program. GMAT scores are critical for accreditation, represent the one standardized admission criterion, and are an important element of the application portfolio. However, trade-offs between admission requirements are made (i.e., exceptional work experience and a good undergraduate GPA might offset a lower GMAT score, or a good GMAT score might offset limited work experience).
GMAT Information
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) measures general mathematical, verbal, and analytical writing skills. It is not intended to test specific subject areas, nor does it require that you have already taken business courses. The GMAT provides a common standard of performance for iMBA applicants who come from diverse educational and employment backgrounds. Requiring the GMAT ensures that you will have capable peers to network with, and assures us that we will have enrolled students who are able to succeed in the program. The GMAT requirement may be waived only if the applicant holds a doctorate-level degree. No waivers will be granted for work experience or existing graduate degrees other than those at the doctorate level.
If you have already taken the GMAT, your score should be no more than 5 years old at the time of your application. Scores must be sent directly to the Penn State World Campus iMBA (code ZZ8-JW-99). You can find out more about the exam by visiting the GMAT Web site at http://www.mba.com/ or by calling 800-717-4628.
Applying to the iMBA Program
Begin the graduate school application.
On the "Campus, Major, Degree & Semester" page:
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus.
- Choose "BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION" as the major
- Choose "M B A" as the degree
